As relevant authorities in Qatar continue to scale up efforts to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has urged retail outlets to ensure social distancing between customers.

According to a tweet by the Ministry earlier today, outlets must make sure customers have a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between one another.

ألزمت الوزارة منافذ البيع في الدولة بتطبيق شرط المسافة الأمنة بين الزبائن والعملاء من خلال وضع العلامات الإرشادية على الأرض ويشمل ذلك طوابير الانتظار الخاصة بصندوق الدفع والاستقبال، وذلك في إطار الإجراءات الاحترازية والوقائية التي أعلنت عنها الوزارة. #قطر #سلامتك_هي_سلامتي pic.twitter.com/lUD2Hxo8Nx

— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar) March 22, 2020

There should be signs on the ground to help customers abide by this safe distance, the Ministry specifies. This will include signs at waiting queues for the payment and reception.

This decision must be implemented from March 23, 2020.

This requirement is in accordance with Article No. 13 of the Consumer Protection Law No. 8 of 2008, which requires suppliers to comply with health and safety requirements.

“The Ministry noted the necessity for the outlets to comply with the circular, and it will work to intensify its inspection sentencing anyone who violates the laws adding that violation will expose them to the penalties stipulated in the applicable laws and regulations ch 22, 2020,” The Peninsula reported.

Extension of dates for product returns/exchanges

In the wake of the closure of retail stores in malls and shopping centers, MOCI has also announced an extension to the period for returning or exchanging goods and merchandise.  

In another tweet today, the Ministry said, “As part of the precautionary and preventive measures announced by the Ministry to limit the spread of the coronavirus (Covid 19), we would like to inform all consumers about extending the return and exchange period for goods and merchandise in malls and shopping centers and not to consider the closing period specified in the policy of each store."

نوّد إحاطة جميع المستهلكين بتمديد فترة الاسترجاع والاستبدال للسلع والبضائع وعدم احتساب فترة الإغلاق ضمن المدة الزمنية المحددة في سياسة كل متجر، وذلك نظراً لصدور قرار إغلاق محلات بيع التجزئة في المجمعات التجارية ومراكز التسوق. #قطر #سلامتك_هي_سلامتي pic.twitter.com/nsekf7eMey

— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar) March 22, 2020

All retail stores in malls and shopping centers should follow this decision, accordingly, the Ministry stressed.

Those who fail to comply with the decision will face legal measures, MOCI warned.

The Ministry stated that it will intensify its inspection campaigns to make sure retail stores in malls and shopping centers are following this directive.

Consumers can report any violations of these decisions via the number 16001 or email: infomoci.gov.qa. They can also reach out to the Ministry through its official social media channels.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself. 

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